How to Rodent Proof Your Home: The Ultimate Guide

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rodent looking from inside an attic

Mice and rats can be a huge nuisance, especially if they are able to get into your home. They can cause damage to your property, spread diseases, and contaminate your food. Luckily for you, there are certain tips and tricks you can do that go a long way toward making sure these pests stay outside. In this guide, we will teach you how to rodent-proof your home so that you don't have to worry about any rodent activity throughout your house.

What Diseases Do Rodents Cause?

Are rats and mice really that much of a pain if they find their way into your home? The answer is a confident yes! Not only can they damage your home by chewing up wires, ruining the internal structure in your home, and messing up your installation, but they can also cause diseases. The 3 common diseases rodents cause are Hantavirus, Salmonellosis, and Rat-Bite Fever. Hantavirus is transmitted through rodent urine or feces and this disease can actually lead to fatality if it gets that bad. Salmonellosis can be transmitted through contaminated food and while not usually fatal, this disease has terrible symptoms that include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Rat-bite fever can be spread through any infectious bite or scratch from a rat and can potentially be fatal if the case is severe. Now that you know the severity that rodents pose, it is vital to know how to keep them out. 

Tips To Keep Rodents Out Of Your Home

Rodents are sneaky, pesky critters that know how to navigate through the smallest surface areas. This is important to know because it plays a factor in how you protect your home. Along with this, keeping a clean home is one of the most important things you can do as rodents have a great sense of smell. Our guide of tips to keep mice and rats out include:

  • Proper Home Maintenance 
  • Cleanliness 
  • Professional Pest Control

Proper Home Maintenance 

Rodents are very smart creatures, which means if they want to get inside your home, chances are they'll find a way unless you follow these tips.  

Seal Cracks and Holes:

Sealing cracks and crevices on not only the inside but outside your home will help fight off any rodent activity. Look to use caulk to seal up even the smallest holes you find as well as fix pipes that are leaking and clogged. 

Install Door Sweeps and Screens:

Believe it or not, rats and mice can enter your home under your door if there is even a little bit of a gap. Make sure to add door sweeps to doors, especially ones that get a lot of activity opening and closing. Along with this, you can look to replace all screens or add any extra in windows missing screens as this is another common way rodents find their way into your home.

Keep Attics and Basements Dry:

If you have an attic or basement that is not well ventilated which leads to moisture entering your home, this could become a rat haven. Moisture will provide a water source for these pests and they tear up your home without you even realizing it. 

Cleanliness

Keeping a clean home is a great way to avoid rodent activity as they will nest in clutter and become a permanent guest if you have not properly cleaned. 

Store Food Properly:

By keeping food in air-tight containers and making sure the trash is never piling up, you can get rid of any scent to attract rodents. Keeping dishes thoroughly washed is another good way to  prevent a rodent infestation.

Get Rid of Clutter:

Rodents know how to hide from humans. This is why they are primarily only seen when trying to scatter behind your fridge or in clutter. Thoroughly vacuuming and picking up loose items will help in eliminating spots where mice and rats can camouflage. 

Outdoor Cleanup:

Storing firewood at least 20 feet away from your home can eliminate a secretive spot where rodents hide waiting to enter your home. Along with this, cut back your shrubbery and brush and force rodents to expand their living space further from your home.

Professional Rodent Control

If you have tried all of these DIY tips and nothing seems to be stopping your rodent infestation, you may need a rodent exterminator to properly handle the situation. The bugman offers quality rodent control throughout Southern California to help the local community not only eliminate these pests but keep them out for good! Our skilled professionals have been delivering services for over 60 years, so you know you'll be in good hands!

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